Computer/Information Science Course Descriptions

COMS 1003: Introduction to Computer Based Systems

ACTS Common Course - CPSI1003

Provides students with both computer concepts and hands-on applications. Although little or no prior computer experience is required for this course, keyboarding proficiency is assumed. Topics include PC basics, file maintenance, and hardware and software components. Students will gain experience in the use of Windows, e-mail, the Internet, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation packages. The integration of software packages will also be covered.

Note: This course may not be taken for credit after completion of COMS 2003 or BUAD 2003.

Note: Credit by examination is offered to students who have notable experience with computers and MS Office applications. Information regarding this examination can be found at cs.atu.edu/coms1003.

COMS 1333: Web Publishing I

Prerequisites: COMS 1003 or BUAD 2003

This course focuses on how to develop web pages for display on the World Wide Web. Topics covered include standards-based coding, hyperlinks, images, tables, forms, design issues, and other topics as appropriate. Students will learn how to publish a web site to a server and maintain the site.

COMS 1403: Orientation to Computing, Information, and Technology

Co-requisite: MATH 1113 and COMS 1411

An overview of hardware, software, technology, and information systems concepts and terms as well as ethics and opportunities within the three fields.

Note: Required of all students who have declared a major in Computer Science, Information Systems, or Information Technology.

COMS 1411: Computer and Information Science Lab

Co-requisite: COMS 1403

An introduction to the computing resources of the department and the university.

COMS 2003: Microcomputer Applications

Prerequisite: COMS 1003 or BUAD 2003

This course provides hands-on experience with several software applications. Topics include intermediate and advanced word processing; spreadsheet design, formulas, and charts; database design principles and implementation; presentation design and techniques; and integration among these applications. Students will be required to apply each package on a semester project related to their major.

COMS 2104: Foundations of Computer Programming I

Prerequisites: MATH 1113, and either COMS 1403 and 1411 or consent of instructor

An introduction to the foundational concepts of programming using structured programming concepts of C++ as an implementation tool. Programming principles covered in lecture are practiced in lab. Major topics include sequential, selection, and iterative control structures, functions, parameter passing, and file processing. Arrays are introduced as a structured data type.

COMS 2163: Scripting Languages

Prerequisite: Minimum of 3 hour programming course.

This course introduces the student to script writing in several languages. The primary categories of scripts will be UNIX shell, text processing, and Perl. CGI Scripts, using Perl, will be introduced.

COMS 2203: Foundations of Computer Programming II

Prerequisites: MATH 1113 or equivalent with a grade of C or better and completion of COMS 2104 with a grade of C or better.

This course is a continuation of Foundations of Programming I. Topics include multi-dimensional arrays, functions, string processing, classes, and records. Students are introduced to object oriented programming using C++.

COMS 2213: Data Structures

Prerequisites: COMS 2203, and COMS 2903

This course involves a study of abstract data structures and the implementation of these abstract concepts as computer algorithms.

COMS 2233: Introduction to Databases

Prerequisite: COMS 1003 or COMS 1403

This course develops a detailed understanding of a database software package developed for microcomputer applications. Topics include how to design, implement, and access a personal database. Entity relationship diagrams are emphasized in design. The use of macros, data conversion operations, linking, and complex selection operations are used in implementation. Advanced report generation mechanisms are covered along with custom-designed menus and user interfaces.

COMS 2333: Web Publishing II

Prerequisite: COMS 1333 or consent of instructor.

This course is a continuation of COMS 1333. Students are introduced to multimedia design concepts and software. Multimedia applications and design tools are used to create and maintain multimedia products such as dynamic graphics, animation, interactive websites, and video.

COMS 2700: Networking and Architecture Laboratory

Co-requisite: COMS 2703

Laboratory exercises repairing and networking computers.

COMS 2703: Computer Networks and Architecture

Prerequisites: COMS 1411 and COMS 1403

Co-requisite: COMS 2700

This course covers how to install and administer a local area network and connect it to the Internet. Topics include network architecture, hardware, and software, along with popular protocols for establishing connectivity for sharing resources such as printers and files. Participation in a designated lab outside of the regularly scheduled meeting time is required.

COMS 2713: Survey of Operating Systems

Prerequisites: COMS 1411; COMS 1003 or COMS 1403

Several Operating Systems (such as Unix, Microsoft, IBM) will be examined with regard to the user's view of the system. This view includes the types of files supported, the kinds of operations that can be performed on files (from the shell and from programs), the mechanisms for starting and controlling processes (i.e. running programs), and some basic utility programs that a beginning or intermediate level administrator would need to use.

COMS 2733: Introduction to Computer Forensics and Security

Prerequisite: COMS 2703

Co-requisite: COMS 2713

An introduction to the fundamentals of computer forensic technology. The course emphasizes techniques for identifying and minimizing the threats to, and vulnerabilities of computer systems. These techniques include methods and tools for tracking suspicious activity, for recovering and preserving digital media, and for doing post-mortem analysis.

COMS 2803: Programming in C

Co-requisite: MATH 1113

Not for majors. This course involves the design, coding, debugging, and implementation of programs using the C language. The UNIX operating system is introduced.

Note: May not be taken for credit after the successful completion of COMS 2104.

COMS 2981,2982,2983,2984: Special Topics

Prerequisite: Permission of the department.

This course will be offered on an "as-needed" basis to cover those topics and subject areas in computing that are emerging in a technological sense, but that do not yet warrant the addition of a new course to the curriculum.

Note: This course may be repeated for credit if course content differs.

COMS 3053: Implications of Technology on Society

Prerequisite: Junior standing in IS, IT, or CS

This course explores ethical issues faced by members of a complex technological society and by professionals in a technology-related field. Topics covered include professional ethics, ethical decision making, privacy issues, intellectual property, and technology issues relating to software development, productivity, and computer crime. Extensive research on current issues is expected.

COMS 3163: Web Programming

Prerequisites: COMS 2213 and COMS 3233

Topics include features of web forms and CGI processing via a scripting language. Basic database interaction and Server- Side Includes (SSI), client-side implementation of pop-up windows, form validation, cookies, security, and other concepts will also be discussed.

COMS 3213: Advanced Data Structures and Algorithm Design

Prerequisites: COMS 2213 and 3913

Concepts, implementation, and application of trees, hashing, graphs, and other advanced data structures will be studied.

COMS 3233: Database Design and Implementation

Prerequisites: COMS 2003, COMS 2203 and COMS2903

This course focuses on the design and implementation of relational database systems. Fundamental principles of databases such as relational model, conceptual design and normalization are covered. Students will also gain experience in database and query implementation using a DBMS and SQL.

COMS 3243: Data Mining

Prerequisites: COMS 3233 and 3 hours statistics

Introduction to knowledge discovery from large databases: terminology, algorithms, methodologies, software, limitations, implications, and current trends. Students will implement and evaluate data mining techniques.

COMS 3503: Visual Programming

Prerequisites: COMS 2003 (or equivalent) and COMS 2213

This course covers the design and development of event-driven programs using an object-oriented visual programming languages such as Visual Basic, Visual C#, or Visual C++.

COMS 3513: Administering and Using the IBM Platform

Prerequisites: COMS 2104 or consent of instructor.

This course is an introduction to the operations of the IBM midrange computer system. Topics include architecture, system security, user interface, and work management. Coverage will also extend to applications and programming using an introduction to DB2 and RPG.

COMS 3523: Human Factors in Information Technology

Prerequisite: Junior standing in a computing major or instructor consent.

A study of the major factors involved in Human-Computer Interaction. A system- oriented, multi-disciplinary approach to understanding the human considerations in the design, testing, implementation, and administration of computer-based systems and information technology.

COMS 3603: Principles of Management Science

Prerequisites: BUAD 2053 and junior standing.

An introduction to management science analytical techniques, including such topics as the simplex method of linear programming, dual problem and sensitivity analysis, and integer programming. Emphasis is placed on the application of these methods using case studies and examples from the area of finance, marketing, and production. Applicable management science software will be used.

COMS 3703: Operating Systems

Prerequisites: COMS 2213 and COMS 2223

This course explores the fundamental concepts upon which modern operating systems are based. Topics include CPU, memory, file and device management, concurrent processes, protection mechanisms, and distributed systems. Several important algorithms will be implemented by the student.

COMS 3903: Systems Software and Architecture

Prerequisites: COMS 2703, COMS 2104 and junior standing

This course covers the implementation of production operating systems, the fundamentals of digital logic, and machine architecture.

Note: This course does not count as credit toward a degree in Computer Science.

COMS 4013: Quality Management in Information Technology

Prerequisites: BUAD 2053 and COMS 3233

The study of quality management and quality assurance with regard to the analysis, design, development, and implementation of information systems and information technology. Topics include measurement techniques and standards, including ISO 9001 and other associated best practices regarding process management and process improvement.

COMS 4033: Systems Analysis and Design I

Prerequisite: COMS 3233

The application of concepts, tools, procedures, and techniques involved in the development of information systems. Emphasis is placed on the systems approach to problem solving, user involvement, the management of quality, project control, and teamwork.

COMS 4043: Systems Analysis and Design II

Prerequisites: COMS 4033 and either COMS 4133, 4163, or 4313

A continuation of COMS 4033, with emphasis on the application of the theory and techniques covered in the previous course. Students will research, analyze, design, implement, test and document a complete system. Students, working as a team, will analyze, plan, implement, document, and present a complete system in a real world environment.

COMS 4053: Information Systems Resource Management

A study of the principles and concepts involved in the management of organizational maintenance of all information resources, including hardware, software, and personnel. Includes coverage of departmental functions within computer/information services, as well as legal, ethical, and professional issues, quality management, and the strategic impact of information systems.

COMS 4063: IT Project Administration

This course provides a thorough introduction to the art and science of Project Management, as applied in the domain of information technology. Theories, best practices, and tools of project management are studied in relation to the completion of a successful project life cycle.

COMS 4103: Organization of Programming Languages

Prerequisites: COMS 2213, COMS 2223, and COMS 3913

This course emphasizes the comparative structures and capabilities of several programming languages. Major emphasis will be placed on language constructs and the run-time behavior of programs.

COMS 4133: Application Program Development

Prerequisites: COMS 2213 and COMS 2853

Object-oriented application development. Topics include 00 Programming, three-tier design, and model-driven development. The course involves a major individual programming project. Students will develop and present their own large-scale application program.

COMS 4163: Personal Software Engineering

Prerequisite: COMS 3213

Formal methods for software specification. Program analysis, verification, and testing. Principles of software design. Object-oriented program implementation. Personal software process and product measurements. Program documentation. Software tools. Each student will implement a large application.

COMS 4213: Database Administration

Prerequisite: COMS 3233

This course develops a comprehensive foundation in the planning, implementation and execution of database management policies and procedures. Topics include installation, storage and replication implementation, security management, indexing and performance tuning, and backup and recovery.

COMS 4303: Client/Server Systems

Prerequisites: COMS 2213 and COMS 3233

This course provides in- depth coverage of client/server concepts. The student will use object-oriented visual programming tools and SQL in the construction of client/server programs. Emphasis will be placed on the proper design of server databases and on programming techniques used in event- driven environments.

COMS 4313: Server Administration

Prerequisites: COMS 2333 and COMS 2733

The tools and techniques needed to administer a server. Installation, configuration, and administration of a variety of servers on different platforms.

COMS 4353: Artificial Intelligence

Prerequisites: COMS 2213 and junior standing

General concepts, wide overview of AI history, and development and future of AI. Implementation of AI techniques using the LISP and or PROLOG languages. Additional topics include pattern recognition, natural language processing, learning process, and robotics.

COMS 4700: Data Communications and Networking Lab

COMS 4703: Data Communications and Networks

Prerequisites: COMS 2703, COMS 2903; COMS 2223 or COMS 3903.

Co-requisite: COMS 4700

Basic elements and functional aspects of the hardware and software required to establish and control data communications in a stand-alone or network environment. Topics include communication protocols, media, network topologies, and system support software. Participation in a designated lab outside of the regularly scheduled meeting time is required.

COMS 4710: Heterogeneous Networks Lab

Co-requisite: COMS 4713

Students will complete network lab exercises in support of COMS 4713.

COMS 4713: Heterogeneous Networks

Prerequisite: COMS 4703

Co-requisite: COMS 4710

The student will design, develop, implement and manage numerous heterogeneous networking operating system environments. Required policies and procedures are examined and developed. Networking tools required for the development of a seamless heterogeneous networking environment are studied and applied.

COMS 4803: System Simulation

Prerequisites: COMS 2213 and 3 hours of Statistics.

Three hour programming course and junior/senior classification. An introduction to simulation methodology as it applies to the analysis and synthesis of systems. Design of simulation experiments and the analysis of data generated therefrom. Random sampling of the Monte Carlo method are used to develop computer procedures for simulated sampling. A broad range of applications is discussed.

COMS 4951,4952,4953,4954: Undergraduate Research in Computer and Information Science

Offered: On demand

Prerequisite: Departmental approval

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

COMS 4981,4982,4983: Seminar in Computer and Information Science

Prerequisite: Permission of department

A directed seminar in an area of computer and information science. Seminars will focus on topics relating to emerging technologies which are beyond the scope of other computer and information science courses.

Note: This course may be repeated for credit if course content differs.

COMS 4991,4992,4993,4994: Special Problems in Computer and Information Science

Prerequisite: Permission of department

This course will allow the student to work individually or as part of a small team to study and design practical computerized systems in order to solve problems of particular interest. This course may be used to offer a variety of subjects that strengthen the student's knowledge in areas not covered by other course offerings.